Castle Rock residents are fortunate to call bears, deer and other wildlife neighbors, but that also comes with an added responsibility. As we venture into the fall season, interactions between wildlife and humans become more common.
With Colorado’s bears getting ready to hibernate, the Castle Rock Police Department has already received reports of bears throughout Town. To keep yourself, neighbors and the bears safe, the Castle Rock Police Department’s Animal Control Unit and partners at Colorado Parks and Wildlife remind you of these helpful tips as we move into fall:
- Remove all birdfeeders from around your home when bears are active
- Trashcans should be placed out the morning of pickup, NOT the night before
- Keep garage doors closed when not in use. If you park your car outside, remember to lock it up
- Make sure to keep dogs leashed when off your property and minimize unsupervised time outside
- If you encounter a bear near your home, haze them away from your property by making loud noises
With November quickly approaching, it’s also almost time to turn back the clocks! Daylight Saving Time is Sunday, Nov. 5. Animal Control Officers remind drivers to be extra vigilant of wildlife to prevent collisions with deer and other wild animals with the time change. Additional driving tips from ACO and CPW include:
- Slow down to give yourself more time to react to potential animals
- Stay alert, especially at dusk and dawn
- Scan ahead to watch for movement on roadsides
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers additional information on its website.
To report concerns with wildlife – including bears and deer – contact the Town of Castle Rock Animal Control Unit at 720-733-6063 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. After hours, call CRPD’s nonemergency number at 303-663-6100. Or, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-291-7227.
If there’s an emergency, such a wild animal in your home, call 911.